Cherries face significant challenges when it comes to weather-related vulnerabilities. Growers often struggle to maintain fruit quality amidst extreme weather events like heavy rainfall leading to cherry cracking or post-harvest heatwaves causing fruit doubling.
The susceptibility of cherries to cracking is a major concern for growers, resulting in substantial economic losses. This phenomenon occurs as cherries nearing harvest accumulate sugars, and prolonged exposure to moisture causes the fruit cuticle to burst, leading to cracking.
To mitigate yield losses, growers can adopt various strategies. Firstly, selecting cherry varieties resistant to rain-induced cracking is crucial. Additionally, understanding how different varieties respond to rainfall aids in effective orchard management.
Improving the protective properties of the fruit cuticle is essential. Cherries with a higher wax content are less prone to cracking. Applying cuticle supplements post-harvest can reduce doubling in the next season by reinforcing the leaf cuticle and enhancing overall tree performance.
Effective irrigation management is vital to minimize stress on cherry trees, especially during high-temperature periods. Proper irrigation can enhance resistance to cracking by avoiding water stress in the late stages of fruit growth.
Managing crop load is another effective strategy. While pruning to encourage larger fruit is common, trees with low crop loads may be more susceptible to cracking. Maintaining a moderate to high crop load can help reduce cracking incidents without compromising fruit size.
Despite the unpredictable nature of weather, proactive orchard management and focus on cuticle care can improve fruit quality and increase marketable yield.
Read the full article: Cultiva
16 Jul 2025
Carlos Tapia, Chilean technical advisor, calls on the cherry industry to prioritize quality, condition and strict production standards. Staying competitive requires advanced techniques, efficiency and cost control—without ever compromising on fruit size or quality.
26 Feb 2026
In Chile, integrating biodiversity and natural habitats into apple and cherry orchards increases fruit set, size and long-term stability. Research by PUCV shows that native vegetation and wild pollinators improve yield and quality without expanding cultivated land.
02 Mar 2026
Toschi Vignola reaches a 51% volume share of amarena cherries in Puglia, Campania and Sicily between October 2024 and September 2025. Sales rise 26% in Campania and share grows 33% in Sicily, according to Circana data across hypermarkets, supermarkets and self-service stores.
02 Mar 2026
How does Canada stay competitive in the global cherry market? New varieties developed in British Columbia, plant variety protection (PVP) and strong public-private partnerships increase yields, quality and exports, supporting growers and the agri-food value chain.
